Me, My Shelf, & I – Episode 8 – Seer Stones w/ Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (Full Interview)
Jun 11, 2024
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Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, an associate professor of Church history, discusses the significance of seer stones in Joseph Smith's translation of the Book of Mormon. They explore the role of seer stones, the history of translating ancient languages, and challenges faced by historians. The podcast also delves into different seer stones associated with Joseph Smith and analyzes historical accounts and challenges. Guest Sarah Allen joins the discussion, emphasizing the importance of discerning truth amidst mockery of historical events.
Joseph Smith used multiple seer stones, including the Urim and Thummim, for translating the Book of Mormon.
Historical evidence and accounts confirm the ongoing presence and significance of Joseph Smith's seer stones.
Varied scholarly perspectives highlight the role and importance of seer stones in Joseph Smith's prophetic mission.
Deep dives
Joseph Smith's Seer Stones
Joseph Smith utilized seer stones, including the biblical Urim and Thummim, for the translation of the Book of Mormon. Early accounts and witnesses confirm Joseph's use of multiple translation devices, with Wilford Woodruff mentioning three seer stones in Joseph's possession. The distinction between the various seer stones used by Joseph, including a brown stone given to Oliver Cowdery and a white stone consecrated in the Manti Temple, emphasizes their role in the miraculous translation process.
Historical Accounts of Seer Stones
Historical evidence, such as journals from the 1800s, supports the existence of Joseph Smith's seer stones beyond the Book of Mormon translation. Accounts from early antagonistic sources, contemporaneous witnesses like Wilford Woodruff, and family traditions provide insights into the continued presence and significance of seer stones in Joseph's life, challenging assumptions of their limited use or absence after the Book of Mormon translation.
Diverse Views on Seer Stones
Scholars and historical sources present diverse perspectives on Joseph Smith's seer stones, showcasing varying accounts and interpretations of their role in translations, revelations, and visionary experiences. While some critics or believers may question the use of seer stones, the historical record, including early traditions and primary sources, highlights the consistent mention and significance of these sacred tools in Joseph's prophetic mission.
Miraculous Translation Through Seer Stones
Regardless of differing views or historical debates, the key focus remains on the miraculous nature of the Book of Mormon translation facilitated through seer stones. Joseph Smith's adamant attribution of the translation to the gift and power of God, accompanied by the testimonies of witnesses and the sacred consecration of seer stones, underscores the divine origin and importance of the translated scriptural texts.
Embracing the Miracle of Translation
The ultimate takeaway revolves around embracing the miraculous translation of the Book of Mormon, guided by the Holy Spirit's witness of its truthfulness. While historical inquiries shed light on the use of seer stones, the essence of the translated words, their divine origin, and their spiritual impact on believers remain the foundational elements of faith and testimony in the sacred scriptural record.
Gerrit Dirkmaat was featured in episode 5. This is the full interview. Check out Dr. Dirkmaat’s podcast with Prof. Richard LeDuc: https://standardoftruth.com/
Gerrit Dirkmaat is an associate professor of Church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University. He received his PhD from the University of Colorado in 2010, where he studied nineteenth-century American expansionism and foreign relations. He worked as a historian and writer for the Church History Department from 2010 to 2014 with the Joseph Smith Papers Project. He is the coauthor, along with Michael Hubbard MacKay, of the award-winning book From Darkness unto Light: Joseph Smith’s Translation and Publication of the Book of Mormon, published by the BYU Religious Studies Center and Deseret Book in 2015. In 2023, they published another book on the topic: Let’s Talk About the Translation of the Book of Mormon. In addition to books, Gerrit is also the author of dozens of academic articles. He currently serves as the editor of the academic journal Latter-day Saint Historical Studies published by the Ensign Peak Foundation. Since 2021 he has hosted and produced a weekly Church history podcast: Standard of Truth. It examines Church history questions and sources. He and his wife, Angela, have four children.
Sarah Allen is a senior researcher with FAIR, and the 2022 recipient of the John Taylor: Defender of the Faith Award. By profession, she works in mortgage compliance and is a freelance copyeditor. An avid reader, she loves studying the Gospel and the history of the restored Church. After watching some of her friends lose their testimonies, she became interested in helping others through their faith crises. That’s when she began sharing what she’d learned through her studies. She is a co-moderator the LDS subreddit on Reddit and the author of a multi-part series rebutting the CES Letter. She’s grateful to those at FAIR who have given her the opportunity to share her testimony with a wider audience.